Retired Colonel reveals impact of alleged war crimes on veteran ‘family’

A FORMER senior Army Officer says his “family” has been ripped apart in the fall out of a damning report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

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A FORMER senior Army Officer says his “family” has been ripped apart in the fall out of a damning report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Retired Colonel Ray Martin, a former Commanding Officer at 1st battalion Royal Australian Regiment, has made an impassioned plea to the community to consider the mental health of veterans swept up in harrowing reports resulting in 19 soldiers referred to the Australian Federal Police for the “murder” of 39 prisoners and civilians, and the cruel treatment of two others.

“None of us in the defence family condones the behaviour that’s been identified by the courageous members of our own ‘family’ that bravely spoke up,” Colonel Martin (retd.) wrote on social media.

“My thoughts are with Afghan victims & all of those affected.

“We knew it would be bad. It’s been a body blow that has literally floored some of us.

“Some have admitted themselves to care. Partners don’t know what to say to their loved ones.

“It’s as if a family member has committed a murder.”

Retired Colonel Ray Martin says his “family” has been ripped apart in the fall out of a damning report into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Colonel Martin (retd.) previously held the position of project manager for a Townsville suicide prevention trial, dubbed Operation Compass.

The three-year trial – which ended earlier this year – was backed by the Federal Government and Primary Health Network North Queensland.

Even before the findings of the Brereton inquiry were released last Thursday, there were serious concerns about the impact the shocking revelations would have on the mental health of current and former ADF personnel.

Colonel Martin (retd.) used his 14 part Twitter thread to highlight heartwarming, and gut wrenching interactions with current and former defence members before asking people to carry out welfare checks on their friends.

“(I’ve seen) mates weeping as they carried the coffin of a mate who has (sic) succumbed after service when the pain became too much to bare,”

“I’ve spoken to sailors with their own families who are traumatised for what they were directed to do on our northern borders.

“I’ve seen an Australian peacekeeper comfort a father who had lost his entire family of 11 in an instant.

“I’ve witnessed our people in The Middle East, Timor, Western Sahara, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Indonesia in the most challenging of environments serve their nation superbly.”

If you or someone you know is in need of support, you can contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

Originally published as Retired Colonel reveals impact of alleged war crimes on veteran ‘family’